Hummus with Pita Bread

Introduction

Hummus with Pita Bread is a timeless Middle Eastern classic that has won hearts worldwide. Creamy, smooth hummus made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil is paired with warm, pillowy pita bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish beautifully balances flavor and texture—the nuttiness of tahini, the tang of lemon, the richness of olive oil, and the earthiness of chickpeas all coming together in harmony.

What makes hummus so special is its versatility. It works as a dip, a spread, or even a side dish. Paired with pita bread, it becomes a satisfying and wholesome snack, appetizer, or even light meal. It’s also naturally vegan, packed with plant-based protein, and rich in fiber, making it both nutritious and delicious.

This dish carries deep cultural roots, often enjoyed at family gatherings, street markets, and festive spreads in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Today, it has become a global favorite, adored for its flavor and health benefits.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Hummus with Pita Bread because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. It feels rich and creamy, yet it’s made from simple, wholesome ingredients. The process of making hummus at home is also deeply satisfying—transforming humble chickpeas into a silky, restaurant-quality dip that rivals anything store-bought.

I also adore how versatile it is. Hummus can be flavored in countless ways—roasted red pepper, garlic, avocado, or even spicy chili versions. It’s a recipe I can customize depending on my mood or the occasion. Plus, it pairs with much more than just pita bread—fresh veggies, crackers, sandwiches, and wraps all benefit from a dollop of hummus.

Another reason I love it is that it’s make-ahead friendly. I can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for days. It’s healthy, satisfying, and always a hit whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a quiet snack at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• Simple yet flavorful – Only a few pantry staples create something extraordinary.
• Nutritious and wholesome – High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Versatile – Works as a dip, spread, or appetizer.
• Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by both kids and adults.
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free friendly (when paired with GF pita or veggies).
• Internationally beloved – Brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your table.

In short, it’s a dish that brings people together and can easily become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for warming pita or cooking chickpeas if needed)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: ~220 calories (hummus + pita)
• Course: Appetizer / Snack
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For Hummus:

• 1 can (15 oz / 400 g) chickpeas (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
• ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for garnish)
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 3–4 tablespoons cold water (adjust for creaminess)
• Salt, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish

For Serving with Pita:

• 4–6 pita breads (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil (optional, for brushing before warming)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil until smooth.
2. Add cold water gradually until creamy.
3. Season with salt and adjust flavors.
4. Serve in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle paprika.
5. Warm pita bread and cut into wedges. Serve alongside hummus.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas

• Drain and rinse canned chickpeas. If using cooked chickpeas, ensure they’re soft.
• For an ultra-smooth hummus, peel off chickpea skins (optional but highly recommended).

Step 2: Blend the Base

• In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Blend for 1 minute until creamy.
• Add garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Blend again until smooth.

Step 3: Add Chickpeas

• Add chickpeas to the mixture in batches. Process until well combined.
• Slowly drizzle in cold water, blending until hummus is creamy and fluffy.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

• Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Spoon hummus into a shallow serving bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle paprika, and garnish with parsley.

Step 6: Warm the Pita Bread

• Warm pita in a skillet, oven, or toaster until soft and slightly golden.
• Cut into wedges and serve with hummus.

How to Serve

• Serve hummus in a shallow dish with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of paprika.
• Pair with warm pita bread wedges, fresh vegetable sticks, or use as a spread for wraps and sandwiches.
• Add olives, pickles, or roasted veggies on the side for a complete Mediterranean platter.

Recipe Tips

• Use cold water or ice cubes while blending to achieve extra creaminess.
• Peel chickpeas for a smoother texture.
• Adjust garlic to your taste—raw garlic gives a sharper flavor, roasted garlic gives a sweeter, mellow taste.
• Make extra pita chips by baking pita wedges brushed with olive oil until crispy.

Variations

1. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky-sweet flavor.
2. Garlic Lovers’ Hummus – Double the garlic or roast it first for extra depth.
3. Spicy Hummus – Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or harissa paste.
4. Avocado Hummus – Blend in ripe avocado for a creamy, green twist.
5. Herbed Hummus – Add cilantro, parsley, or dill for freshness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Hummus can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.
• Pita Bread Storage: Store in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or high-powered blender
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or oven (for warming pita)

Conclusion

Hummus with Pita Bread is more than just a dip—it’s a culinary tradition that celebrates the flavors of the Middle East in a way that’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Smooth, creamy hummus paired with warm, soft pita bread creates a combination that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, this dish delivers both comfort and nourishment. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich, authentic taste, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Print Recipe

Hummus with Pita Bread

Author: Laura Bennett Courses: Appetizer & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 220 calories per serving

Description

Hummus with Pita Bread is a timeless Middle Eastern classic that has won hearts worldwide. Creamy, smooth hummus made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil is paired with warm, pillowy pita bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For Hummus:

• 1 can (15 oz / 400 g)
• ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 tablespoons 2–3 fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for garnish)
• 1 garlic 1–2 cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons 3–4 cold water (adjust for creaminess)
• Salt, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish

For Serving with Pita:

• 4 pita 4–6 breads (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil (optional, for brushing before warming)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas. If using cooked chickpeas, ensure they’re soft. For an ultra-smooth hummus, peel off chickpea skins (optional but highly recommended).
2. Step 2: Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Blend for 1 minute until creamy. Add garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Blend again until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add Chickpeas: Add chickpeas to the mixture in batches. Process until well combined. Slowly drizzle in cold water, blending until hummus is creamy and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil if desired.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Spoon hummus into a shallow serving bowl. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle paprika, and garnish with parsley.
6. Step 6: Warm the Pita Bread: Warm pita in a skillet, oven, or toaster until soft and slightly golden. Cut into wedges and serve with hummus.

Keywords: Hummus with Pita Bread